Teen Suicide Prevention: Risk Factors

These risk factors are not uncommon; they become dangerous when they exist in combination. Some of these risk factors are 'fixed' or unchangeable, while others are considered 'variable' and can be changed. By eliminating some of the variable factors, the risk for suicide can be temporarily lowered. One of the most effective ways to lower risk is to recognize when students are at elevated risk, and get them to a resource person who can assist them in developing more permanent risk reduction strategies.

Demographic FactorsAmong youths between 15 and 19 years of age, white males have the highest suicide rates and African-American females have the lowest. Between 1981 and 2004, the suicide rates increased 51% for children between 10 and 14 years of age.

Age

Sex

Race

Sexual orientation

Clinical FactorsYouths diagnosed with some type of emotional problem or with a history of drug/alcohol abuse are in a more vulnerable category. A previous attempt is one of the most important risk factors, especially when combined with other risk factors.

Psychiatric history

Drug or alcohol use

Previous attempt

Personal and Family HistoryA personal history that includes physical or sexual abuse elevates risk. A family history that includes suicide also increases risk.

History of abuse

History of suicide

Exposure

To suicide (personally or in the media)

Death of peer under any circumstance

Recent, Severe Stressors

Loss

Trouble

Change — transition

Personality FactorsCertain personality factors can also elevate risk, because they lead to poor judgment and compromise problem-solving skills.

Impulsive

Immature

Anxious worrying

Aggressive behavior — especially outbursts of rage

Access to Means

More

Provided in partnership with The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide. The mission of the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide is to reduce the number of youth suicides and attempted suicides by encouraging public awareness through the development and promotion of educational training programs.

FEATURED VIDEO

TeacherVision Premium

TEACHING HIGHLIGHTS

African-American Scientists: A Comprehensive Social Media Account ProjectStudents will research a notable African-American scientists and create a social media account for them based on their findings."

Celebrate African-American Heritage and CultureEnhance understanding with a teaching guide that offers books about African-American history and culture

Join TeacherVision today

Spend more time teaching and less time searching.Get full, ad-free access to all our learning resources—curated and vetted by teachersand curriculum specialists—for one-low price.